"Liberty Crying"

Medium: Graphite pencil, charcoal, acrylic on 45x45 cm pressed cardboard

Liberty Crying" is created in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on June 24, 2022, to overturn Roe v. Wade. For me, this ruling wasn’t just a legal decision—it felt like a profound step backward for women’s rights, stripping away decades of progress. I wanted to express my frustration, sadness, and anger through this artwork, but also to make a statement about the resilience and strength of women.

The figure represents Liberty herself, shedding golden tears to reflect the pain and loss felt by so many. Her gaze is direct but full of sorrow, speaking to the collective heartbreak and the sense of betrayal. I used bold gold tones to symbolize the value of freedom, contrasted with shadows and magenta to convey the tension between hope and oppression. The geometric patterns and circular forms reflect the structures of control we continue to fight against, but also the cycles of resistance and renewal.

This piece is my way of protesting what I see as a huge injustice while holding onto the belief that change is still possible. It’s a reminder of the importance of standing up for women’s rights and autonomy, even in the face of setbacks.